Goffin Reaches Semifinals Over Cilic

David Goffin is through to his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semifinal after beating Marin Cilic 7-6(4), 6-2 on Thursday at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
The Belgian backed up his fourth-round win over third seed Stan Wawrinka, which lasted almost two and a half hours on Wednesday, to beat Cilic in one hour and 38 minutes. Goffin saved 11 of the 12 break points he faced to beat the Croat for the second time this month, having also bested him on the eve of Indian Wells in Davis Cup action.
The 25-year-old Goffin goes on to face either Milos Raonic or Gael Monfils as he bids to reach the biggest final of his career.

 

Djokovic Beats Lopez, Faces Tsonga in Quarterfinals

After losing to Feliciano Lopez just three weeks ago, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was ruthless in his
dismissal of the Spaniard on Wednesday evening at the BNP Paribas Open, reaching the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-3 victory on Stadium 1.
Djokovic advanced in just 66 minutes, winning 75 per cent of his service points and breaking Lopez three times from six opportunities. Lopez is the only man to beat Djokovic this season, when the Serb retired due to an eye problem after the first set of their Dubai quarterfinal last month.
"I have respect for his game, which definitely made me very cautious of approaching this match and made me very determined to impose my game plan from the very beginning," said Djokovic.

"Obviously trying to be patient and wait for the opportunities, and when they presented, I needed to capitalize on them. Which I did.

"I don't think he has played on the level that he can, but I just think that I made him play an extra shot, which is very important against players like him. I was very solid. I didn't allow him to come to the net too many times. It was a good performance."
Lopez had earned his place in the Round of 16 after an epic victory over fellow Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut on Tuesday, in a match lasting three hours and 16 minutes. The 34-year-old Lopez is back in action Thursday when he and Marc Lopez team up in the doubles quarterfinals against Australian Open champions Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares.

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Nadal Beats Zverev From a Matchpoint Down to Reach Quarterfinals

Former world no.1, three times champion Rafael Nadal advances through the quarterfinals of BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) 2016. Spaniard defeats german Alexander Zverev in three sets (6-7; 6-0; 7-5). Nadal comeback from a matchpoint down to beat Zverev, as he reaches QF. In quarterfinal, spaniard will meet winner of John Isner vs Kei Nishikori.

Cilic Beats Gasquet to Reach Quarterfinals

It took two hours and 15 minutes, but 10th seed Marin Cilic ultimately prevailed over eighth seed Richard Gasquet, reaching the BNP Paribas Open quarter-finals with a 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 victory on Wednesday in

The Croat let by a set and 5-3, but Gasquet reeled off four straight games to level the contest. Cilic regained the advantage in the sixth game of the decider, though, and didn't falter as he went on to close out his 12th win of the season.

The 27-year-old Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion (d. Nishikori), is through to the quarterfinals at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the first time and goes on to face David Goffin, who pulled off his second career win over a Top 10 player against World No. 4 Stan Wawrinka, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(5) on Stadium 2.
Indian Wells.

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Wawrinka out of Indian Wells

Swiss tennis player, world no.4 Stan Wawrinka is out of BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) 2016. Wawrinka got defeated by David Goffin in three sets (3-6; 7-5; 6-7).

Djokovic Holds off Kohlschreiber; Thiem Tops Sock

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic fended off a late fightback from Philipp Kohlschreiber to book his place in the BNP Paribas Open fourth round with a 7-5, 7-5 victory on Tuesday night at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The 28-year-old Djokovic goes on to face the only man to have beaten him all year - Feliciano Lopez - on Wednesday for a spot in the quarterfinals. Lopez scored a rare win over Djokovic in the Dubai quarterfinals last month, when the Serb retired with an eye problem after losing the first set.
Djokovic is chasing an unprecedented fifth Indian Wells crown and his third in a row. The Belgrade native moved to a 43-6 tournament record as he edged Kohlschreiber in one hour and 39 minutes.

Djokovic let slip a 5-2 lead in the second set, squandering four match points as he served for victory in the ninth game. But the right-hander broke Kohlschreiber decisively in the 12th game to seal victory - his eighth in nine meetings with the No. 30-ranked Kohlschreiber.
"I allowed myself twice to lose serve when I was a break up in both sets," said Djokovic. "Those things cannot happen. I cannot allow myself any more to react that way in those particular circumstances.

"I was fortunate today to manage to win in straight sets. But Kohlschreiber is an experienced player. He has played so many times on the big occasions, so he knows how to capitalize on the opportunities and come back into the match.

"I just put myself in a very difficult position after that. But there are more positive things I can take out of this match today comparing it with the first one."
Djokovic has an 18-1 match record this season, highlighted by the title in Doha (d. Nadal) and his 11th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open (d. Murray).
Dominic Thiem finished strongly to defeat Jack Sock 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-1 in a third-round contest between two of the ATP World Tour’s most exciting young talents. The 22-year-old Austrian responded to the loss of a tight second set by reeling off five games in a row. Sock broke back as Thiem served for the match, but the right-hander immediately struck again to claim victory in two hours and 14 minutes.
Thiem has been one of the form players on the ATP World Tour in 2016, surging to a career-high World No. 13 after beating Rafael Nadal en route to the Buenos Aires title and winning his first ATP World Tour 500 crown in Acapulco.
Next up for the Austrian, as he looks to reach his second ATP World Tour Masters 1000 quarterfinal, will be Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. The seventh-seeded Tsonga defeated home favorite Sam Querrey 6-3, 6-4 in 74 minutes.

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Nadal Advances Over Verdasco at Indian Wells

Former world no.1, spaniard Rafael Nadal advances through the next round of BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) 2016. Nadal beats his compatriot Fernando Verdasco in straight sets (6-0; 7-6). Next round Nadal will face german Alexander Zverev.

Nishikori and Zverev Win at Indian Wells

Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori and german Alexander Zverev advance through the next round of BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) 2016. Nishikori beats Steve Johnson with 2-0 in sets (7-6; 7;6) while Alexander zverev defeats french Gilles Simon in straight sets (6-2; 6-2).

Wawrinka Advances at Indian Wells

Reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka won his third round match at the ATP Tour Indian Wells tournament on Monday, defeating Russian Andrey Kuznetsov 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).
World No. 4 Wawrinka advances to the fourth round where he will face 15th seeded David Goffin of Belgium who beat Guido Pella 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Gasquet Defeats Dolgopolov From a Set Down

Richard Gasquet defeated Alexandr Dolgopolov in three sets to book his spot in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Frenchman Richard Gasquet came from a set behind to defeat Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov 2-6, 6-2, 6-1 on Stadium two to book his spot in round four of the BNP Paribas Open. 

Berdych Beats Coric at Indian Wells

Tomas Berdych survived a late comeback from Borna Coric on Monday evening at the BNP Paribas Open to book his spot in the fourth round with a 6-1, 7-6(3) victory.
The sixth-seeded Czech led by a double break at 4-1 in the second set and held two match points when he served at 5-4, but ultimately claimed victory in the tie-break after Next Generation star Coric fought back.
The 30-year-old Berdych advances to a meeting with Milos Raonic, whom he trails 2-3 in their head-to-head. The right-hander is making his 12^th appearance at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, highlighted by a semifinal showing in 2013 (l. to Nadal).

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Andy Murray Crashes out of Indian Wells

World no.2, british Andy Murray is out of ATP BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) 2016. Murray got
defeated by argentinian Federico Delbonis in three sets (4-6; 6-4; 6-7). That was Andy Murray's first defeat to a left-hander not named Nadal since 2011, ending a 39-match win streak.

Indian Wells 2016 - Novak Djokovic vs Bjorn Fratangelo Highlights

Nadal vs. Muller Indian Wells Highlights

Watch highlights from match Nadal vs. Muller, as Nadal triumphs in three sets (6-2; 2-6; 6-4)

Verdasco Ready for Nadal Challenge

Sometimes all it takes is a win to change the tenor of a rivalry, or at least that was the case for Fernando Verdasco against Rafael Nadal.
Friends for about 17 years, Nadal was the phenomenon in Spain, and Verdasco was the older and very talented player.
But as professionals, Nadal won the first 13 meetings, although Verdasco would play him close, like his 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 loss in Cincinnati in 2011, or his 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4 loss in the semifinals of the 2009 Australian Open.
Verdasco picked up his first win over Nadal in the Round of 16 at Madrid in 2012. Since then, Verdasco has a 3-1 advantage over Nadal, including the shocking 7-6(5), 4-6, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 comeback victory in the first round of the Australian Open in January.
“I was so close, but I never won,” Verdasco said after advancing to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open when Martin Klizan had to retire with an ankle injury. “Maybe winning that match in Madrid gave me belief I can win, not just come close to winning. At the end, that’s the difference between winning and losing. You have to trust you can win.
“I have more confidence in my game, believe more in myself. I did it before and I can do it again.”
Verdasco will get that chance again on Tuesday when he and Nadal resume their rivalry. Nadal reached the third round after beating Gilles Muller 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 on Sunday night.
With their history, Verdasco knows it will be a draining match, both physically and mentally.
“He always pushes you to the limit and you have to be ready for that,” Verdasco said. “You have to be so focused every point because he’s so focused every point. That level of focus and physical instability for five hours is a long time. Of course it takes a lot of energy and leaves your body low on energy and everything. It’s not just physical, but emotional.”
For Nadal, he knows he will have his hands full against Verdasco and will be prepared for a tough match.
“He’s a great player with an amazing potential,” Nadal said. “We know each other very well, and I know the way to have success against him is to play very well. That’s what I’m going to try.”
Verdasco’s victory over Nadal in Australia took a toll. Unable to maintain the same level, Verdasco lost to Dudi Sela in the next round.
After Australia, Verdasco had issues with a bulging disc and inflammation in his neck, forcing him to pull out of Buenos Aires and Rio.
So far, Verdasco said he’s been feeling good and hasn’t had problems with his neck.
In addition to having a rivalry with Nadal, he’s also developing a partnership. Verdasco and Nadal started playing doubles together in Toronto last year. Nadal and Verdasco want to play together for the Olympics this summer.
On Saturday, Nadal and Verdasco played a thrilling first-round match against Bob and Mike Bryan before falling 3-6, 7-5, [10-8]. Ironically, Nadal and Verdasco lost to the Bryans in Toronto as well, by an identical 10-8 score in the super tiebreaker.

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Nadal Wins at Indian Wells

Three-time champion Rafael Nadal prevailed in a gripping three-set tussle with Gilles Muller on Sunday night at the BNP Paribas Open, advancing to the third round with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 victory on Stadium 1.
Both players created a spate of break points, but Nadal saved 11 of the 14 he faced to advance in two hours and 12 minutes. The Spaniard broke Muller in the final game of the match, converting his third match point
"It was very tough conditions out there," said Nadal. "I'm very happy for the victory after the last three matches that I lost have been in three sets or five sets. So I needed a victory like this. Very happy for that.

"Very happy about the attitude during the whole match. Have been very tough to play with that conditions and against a player who serves very well and who goes to the net. It's obvious these conditions help the player who normally plays less from the baseline. So just was a great victory for me.

"Especially the last two games of the match were very important, obviously. I was able to play more aggressive with more determination. That's something that stays in my mind and is very positive."
The 29-year-old Nadal has a 45-8 tournament record at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, lifting the trophy in 2007, 2009 and most recently in 2013, when he defeated Juan Martin del Potro.
Next up for Nadal is his doubles partner Fernando Verdasco, with whom he lost in the first round against Bob and Mike Bryan in a thrilling contest on Saturday evening. The last time Nadal and Verdasco met, Verdasco stunned his countryman with a five-set victory in the first round of the Australian Open.

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Murray Races Through Opener; Coric Sets Berdych Clash

Andy Murray cruised into the third round of the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden as he defeated Marcel Granollers 6-4, 7-6(3).
"It was very different conditions to what I have been practicing and playing in in the past five weeks, against a tough, unorthodox player," said Murray. "He's got quite a different game. He's very smart player, as well, intelligent player, and often makes the right decisions. He made it tough for me."
Murray and his wife, Kim Sears, became parents to Sophia Olivia on 7 February, just one week after the Scot finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. He returned to action last week to lead Great Britain through the first round of the Davis Cup against Japan.
The 28-year-old Murray reached the final of this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament in 2009 (l. to Nadal) and notched his 25th win in the desert as he broke serve twice from 10 opportunities to clinch victory in one hour and 41 minutes.
#NextGen star Borna Coric set a third-round clash with sixth seed Tomas Berdych as he dismissed 29th seed Thomaz Bellucci 6-2, 6-2 in 87 minutes. The 19-year-old Coric reached his first ATP World Tour final in the first week of the season in Chennai (l. to Wawrinka).
Bernard Tomic will face Milos Raonic after defeating Rajeev Ram 6-4, 7-5. The 23-year-old Tomic has enjoyed a strong start to the season, highlighted by reaching his first ATP World Tour 500 final in Acapulco (l. to Thiem). He will look to get revenge over Raonic for the defeat he suffered when they met in the Brisbane semi-finals in January.
Third seed Stan Wawrinka raced to a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Illya Marchenko. The Swiss won 74 per cent of his service points and broke Marchenko three times to prevail in 66 minutes on Stadium 1.

The 30-year-old Wawrinka is already a winner of two ATP World Tour titles this year, lifting the trophies in Chennai (d. Coric) and Dubai (d. Baghdatis).

American wild card Frances Tiafoe almost pulled off the biggest win of his young career against 15^th seed David Goffin. The 18 year old, part of the ATP’s #NextGen campaign, held two match points in the 10^th game of the third set, but ultimately fell 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(2) in two hours and 14 minutes.
Marin Cilic ended the hopes of another young American, beating qualifier Ryan Harrison 6-4, 6-3. 

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Berdych Beats Del Potro at BNP Paribas Open

Czech tennis player Tomas Berdych advances in second round of ATP BNP Paribas Open (Indian Wells) 2016. Tonight he defeats argentinian Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets (7-6; 6-2). Next round Berdych will meet winner of Borna Coric vs. Thomaz Belluci

ATP Indian Wells: Mannarino Defeats Rosol in Three Sets

Adrian Mannarino needed three sets to beat Lukas Rosol, as he booked his spot in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Lukas Rosol and Adrian Mannarino faced off in the first round at the 2016 BNP Paribas Open for the third time in their career. Both players shared one win each coming into this match. But this time, it was Mannarino came through 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in just over two hours. 

Source: BNP Paribas Open

Pospisil, Zverev Win Tight Openers

In a match lasting almost three hours, Vasek Pospisil finally advanced to the second round of the BNP Paribas Open on Friday, edging Next Generation American star Jared Donaldson 7-6(5), 6-7(2), 6-3.
The Canadian, who won the doubles title in Indian Wells last year with Jack Sock, set a clash with 16^th seed Gilles Simon. Pospisil is looking for a return to form on the singles court, after coming into Indian Wells with a 2-7 match record in 2016. Last year, the 25 year old reached his first Grand Slam quarter-final at Wimbledon (l. to Murray).
“I’m happy with the way I played and the way I fought,” said Pospisil. “The conditions were tough here. They’re polar opposite from what I played last week, so it’s a little bit of an adjustment, but he played a good match and he surprised me a little bit. He was playing well, and I had to play some great tennis to win today.”
German teenager Alexander Zverev marked his first main draw appearance in Indian Wells with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory over Ivan Dodig in two hours and 19 minutes. The 18 year old, who is part of the ATP’s #NextGen campaign, goes on to face Grigor Dimitrov in an intriguing second-round match. Zverev has made a strong start to the season, highlighted by reaching the semi-finals in Montpellier (l. to Mathieu).
“I have been working hard in the off-season,” said Zverev. “I had a two-month off-season with a lot of physical work and a lot of tennis work. I feel like it's paying off now. I'm just happy the way I'm playing. I'm happy to go as deep as I am in big tournaments.”

Source: BNP Paribas Open